Big Box Store Closings Create Job Opportunities

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

As major office supply retailers such as Staples, Office Depot and OfficeMax announce the closing of hundreds of stores around the nation, former managers of these locations are finding new, greener pastures in the office product industry. Cartridge World, the world’s leading retailer of eco-friendly printer cartridges and printing solutions, is providing office supply professionals an opportunity to stay in the industry —and become their own boss.

The international franchisor, with 1,200 global stores in 50 countries, has seen a surge in interest from those looking to operate their own Cartridge World business. Former retail managers, such as Wiley Dempsey, operated an Office Depot for nearly 15 years before joining Cartridge World. “When one door closed, another opened at Cartridge World,” said Dempsey.

“The transition from a big box store to Cartridge World was surprisingly easy. When I joined the company, I had all the experience of working in a similar industry. With Cartridge World, I was able to specialize on the printing services market,” added Dempsey, owner of Cartridge World in Montgomery, Alabama. He said printing supplies are an $80 billion industry and Cartridge World was an ideal opportunity. “Every business and home uses printers and printing supplies. Unlike at the superstore, I was able to focus on and become the local printing expert. We can recommend printers and cartridges for every customer that saves money with every copy.”

With more than 30 new Cartridge World signings and openings around the nation this year, Dempsey’s business aspirations are shared by many. The familiarity of business-to-business selling and the office product industry give ex-big box managers an immediate advantage to succeed.

“While Cartridge World franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds, those with proven office supply experience have an ideal background in the printing supplies industry,” said William Swanson, North American CEO of Cartridge World. “We look for the best partners. And we open doors for professionals looking to put their networking, sales and customer service skills to use, and who want to succeed through franchising.”

Earlier this year, Entrepreneur Magazine named Cartridge World among the country’s Top 100 franchises. Cartridge World is an SBA-approved franchise – which makes getting an SBA-backed loan easier and quicker. Plus, Cartridge World encourages franchise ownership by veterans through providing a special 15 percent franchise fee discount. Click here for more information about Cartridge World’s franchise opportunities.

Sign up for our newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest Cartridge World news, coupons and helpful printing tips.